Frequently Asked Questions

Activities

Am I too old / too young / athletic enough?

The Boucle de la Moselle offers the perfect conditions for safe, effortless cycling. The cycle paths are all flat and run along the river and canal banks. There are two short, sharp ascents at Sexey-aux-Forges and Pompey, which will be rectified with the completion of the cycle paths in 2019.

Is it possible to swim?

Bathing is not permitted in the Moselle. Dangerous currents can be caused by the opening of a sluice-gate. Ask at your point of departure for all the information concerning bathing.

By bike

Can I take my bike on the train?

Bicycles are permitted free of charge on regional express trains (TERs), with no booking required. Mainline trains, including the high-speed TGV, offer more limited provision: booking is required and a fee of €10 per cycle is payable. On some TGVs, bicycles are not permitted at all. You will need to find out what the rules are for each specific train time.

Are there ups and downs?

The Boucle de la Moselle is an 85 km (53 mile) loop. The cycle paths are all flat and run along the river and canal banks. There are two short, sharp ascents at Sexey-aux-Forges and Pompey, which will be rectified with the completion of the cycle paths in 2019.

What if I don’t want to pedal too far?

It is possible to do part of the Boucle de la Moselle and catch the train back. If you do so, you will have to plan your day around the train times. The trail is divided into three sections. Toul-Nancy: 41 km Nancy-Liverdun: 24 km Toul-Liverdun: 20 km.

What can you expect from businesses displaying the ‘Accueil Vélo’ label?

See the website for the full list of labelled service providers found on or near the Boucle de la Moselle, marked with the ‘Accueil Vélo’ logo (the logo is also displayed at the reception of these businesses). Download the charter here.

Where can I find the GPS track for the Boucle de la Moselle, together with themed trails?

How can I read GPS tracks?

Is it possible to hire a bike in one place and return it in another?

No, you must return it to the rental location.

Is a luggage transfer service available?

Yes, but only as part of budget breaks sold by the tourist offices.

Am I too old / too young / athletic enough?

The Boucle de la Moselle offers the perfect conditions for safe, effortless cycling. The cycle paths are all flat and run along the river and canal banks. There are two short, sharp ascents at Sexey-aux-Forges and Pompey, which will be rectified with the completion of the cycle paths in 2019.

By boat

Can the route be done by boat, without a licence?

Rental boats can be driven without a licence. On the day of departure, you will receive all the instructions you need to become the ‘master of your own ship’. You will then receive a carte de plaisance (pleasure boat licence) and a provisional boating licence valid for the duration of your trip. Boating is permitted for anyone aged 16 years or over.

How long does it take to do the route by boat?

Three days.

How fast does the boat go and how many miles can be done in a day?

The normal cruising speed for a pleasure boat is around 5 mph and it takes about 20 minutes to go through a lock. You can reckon on doing 4 to 6 hours each day, which will enable you to cover a distance of 20 to 25 miles, not forgetting to factor in the time spent at each lock. A pleasure boat travels at an average speed of 3 mph on canals and 5 mph on rivers. Locks take time and teach us to take our time. You will need to allow three days to cover the 60 miles of the Boucle de la Moselle by boat.

How do you go through a lock?

Going through a lock is a simple and fun manoeuvre if you follow some basic tips: always manoeuvre slowly and carefully, and be patient if there are other boats waiting at the lock. Working the locks is easier if there are two of you. As you will discover, going through the locks is a special part of your trip. You can chat with the lock-keeper, or simply take a break to soak up the local atmosphere and socialise with other boaters.

How long does it take to go through a lock?

The time needed to go through a lock varies, as it depends how much traffic there is, but an average estimate is 20 minutes.

What are the opening times for the locks?

Locks are usually open every day, but you may find they are closed on some bank holidays. Opening times vary from canal to canal. They will be provided to you during your induction or at the time of booking. THE RIVER MOSELLE 15 April to 10 November: 6 am – 6 pm 11 November to 14 April: 7.30 am – 5.30 pm THE CANALS 9 am – 6 pm, throughout the year

What dates are they closed? 1 January, 1 May, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December.

Do you have to pay to go through a lock?

No, you do not have to pay to go through a lock.

Where can you leave your car during your trip?

Most mooring-sites have enclosed and/or covered parking. You will usually have to pay a parking fee at your point of departure.

Where are the marinas and mooring-sites located?

There are marinas in Nancy and Toul, and mooring-sites at Champigneulles, Pompey, Liverdun, Villey-Saint-Etienne, Pierre-la-Treiche, Maron, Richardménil and Laneuveville-devant-Nancy.

Where can you fill up with water?

Water supply points are shown on the waterway map found on board your boat. The capacity of the water tank varies according to the size of the boat. You should set off with a full tank, which should usually last you about 2 days, at reasonable consumption. The cost of filling up ranges from nothing to a few euros.

Motorhome

Are there motorhome sites along the Boucle de la Moselle?

Sites are evenly spaced along the Boucle de la Moselle, in Toul, Nancy, the Côtes de Toul vineyards, Richardménil and Liverdun. There is also provision for motorhomes at some ‘France Passion’ vineyards.

Plan your trip

How do I get there by train?

Nancy is served by both high-speed rail (TGV) and regional express trains (TERs). Toul is served by a small number of mainline trains as well as regional express trains (TERs). Liverdun and Neuves-Maisons are served only by regional express trains (TERs).

Do EU citizens need their passports to come to France?

Nationals of EU Member States are required to show a valid identity document (ID card or passport). Broadly speaking, the documents required for entry into France are the usual ones.

PILGRIMS ON THE WAY OF ST JAMES (CAMINO DE SANTIAGO) Is there specific accommodation available for pilgrims walking the Way of St James?

Yes. Please ask at the tourist office in Toul or Liverdun for the full list of names and addresses.

When is the best time to come to the Boucle de la Moselle?

The period April to September is ideal. A short winter or an Indian summer are always possible and offer the opportunity for a last-minute getaway.

Practical info

Where can I find the GPS track for the Boucle de la Moselle, together with themed trails?

How can I read GPS tracks?

Can I bring my dog?

You can hire a trailer at the Maison du Vélo du Grand Nancy. Not all accommodation providers accept dogs. You are advised to make enquiries before you leave.

Is there provision for stopping along the way?

(picnic sites, viewpoints, activities, water points, etc.)

The Boucle de la Moselle passes through cities (Nancy), big towns (Toul) and small towns (Liverdun and Pompey), which have all the everyday amenities you need, at close proximity to the cycle path. Eateries and accommodation are found all along the route through the countryside. There are a number of picnic sites, for instance at Liverdun, Villey-Saint-Etienne, Villey-le-Sec and Maron.

Where can you do your shopping?

You can stock up on supplies in almost all of the villages along the canal or river: see the waterway map on board the boat for details of where to find a grocer’s, baker's, fishmonger’s, butcher’s, etc. On the day of your departure, make use of your car to do a big shop before you set off.